Chapter 2: Principles of Curriculum Development
Summary: Education is a system that responds to changes as conditions in society change. A
normal, expected consequence of changes in the environment is to change curriculum. Making
continuous improvement in the curriculum is the curriculum worker's responsibility. There are some
generally accepted principles for curriculum development that can facilitate the curriculum workers
task. Teachers, curriculum specialist, supervisors, administrators, students, parents and other
community representatives can all play significant roles in effecting curriculum change.
Goal: To develop an increased understanding of the principles of curriculum development in
secondary schools.
Objectives: The learner will be able to:
2.1 understand the principles for curriculum development.
2.2 discuss in what way the curriculum is influenced by changes in society.
2.3 discuss the parameters affecting curriculum changes in a school system and within which
curriculum
workers must function.
Part II : Curriculum Development: Role of School
Personnel
Chapter: 3 Curriculum Planning: A Multilevel, Multisector
Process
Summary: Curriculum development is a collaborative effort. Planning can take place on five levels:
classroom, team/grade/department, individual school, school district, and state. From the state to the
classroom, each level exercise authority over levels below it. Teachers and curriculum specialist find
opportunities to participate actively in curriculum development at the first four levels. Some
curriculum
workers are asked by the state to serve on curriculum projects.
Goal: To develop an increased understanding of the planning and effort needed to develop
curriculum in secondary schools.
Objectives: The learner will be able to:
3.1 describe the five levels, of curriculum planning.
3.2 organize curriculum development at the individual school level.
3.3 organize curriculum development at the school district level.
Chapter: 4 Curriculum Planning: The Human Dimension
Summary: There are various roles played by persons and groups involved in curriculum
development at
an individual school. Principals that perceive themselves as instructional leaders take an active part in
curriculum development. Other principals may delegate the responsibility of curriculum development.
Students, parents, and other community persons may participate in curriculum improvement by
providing
data about their own learning, serving on committees, answering surveys, and serving as resource
persons. Teachers and specialists share the greatest responsibility for curriculum development.
Goal: To develop an increased understanding of the roles played by persons involved in the
development of secondary school curriculum.
Objectives: The learner will be able to:
4.1 describe the roles of the (a) the principal, (b) the curriculum leader, ( c) the teachers, (d) the
students, and (e) the parents and other citizens in curriculum development.
4.2 discuss what knowledge and skills are needed by the curriculum leader.